Q. If there was a move to end Public Question Time at Council meetings, how would you respond?
| Candidate | Response |
|---|---|
| Ron Bauer | My position on this issue is very well known. I vigorously opposed Cr Rook’s motion to abolish public question time. The ability for the public to scrutinise and question councillors and council officers is a fundamental tenet of our democracy. I will defend public question time as long as I am a Councillor. As Volter said, “I may not agree with what you said but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” I also believe that the length of the question should be increased. If the person asking the question is in attendance, I believe that questioner should be able to ask the question directly. Also they should be able to ask a supplementary question that can be taken on notice. |
| John Trigt | I am a strong believer in Public Question time, it is the only time that ratepayers have the opportunity to ask council questions in public. I also believe, answer must be answered correctly and properly reflecting the question not council speak meaning nothing. I will endeavour with other councillors help to change this current approach. |
| Marnie Chadwick | no… question time for the public is a must |
| Tracey Bell | Already answered at Meet the Candidates. It’s an affront to the democratic process and I wouldn’t support the move. |
| David Rooks | There are options available around the way we delivery public question time. I’m interested in hearing all options. |
| Darrell Silva | Loudly oppose as the move is anti-democratic in my opinion. I have read the Act and a move to end public questions seems at odds with sections of the Act (8,9,28) |
| Tim O’Brien | Did not send a response. |